In addition to extensive
research information and
suggestions on dosage and safety of this important medicinal plant, you
will find on this page:

Mucuna Pruriens supplement in capsule form
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Mucuna pruriens, one of the popular Ayurvedic herbs, is also known as velvet bean or cowhage.
This herb contains L-Dopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter
dopamine.
The l dopa content increases when extracts are prepared. L-dopa
converts into dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood,
sexuality, and physical movement. Mucuna pruriens has antioxidant
properties and has been used for generations in India for Parkinson's disease
treatment. How well it works in Parkinson's disease is just
beginning to be evaluated in research studies in western countries and no definitive conclusions can
yet be made. Keep in mind that there are many other active substances in
this herb, besides l dopa, that have an effect on the body and mind.

Mucuna pruriens benefit, how does it help
Scientists and doctors in Western countries are beginning to seriously
take a look at the potential benefits of mucuna pruriens herb in a number
of conditions including Parkinson's disease, fertility, and sexual
enhancement. Studies in rats show this herbal supplement
influences dopamine content in the cortex of the brain and enhance
sexuality, along with protecting sperm from oxidative damage.
The seed powder of the plant has long been
used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for the treatment of
Parkinson's disease.

buy Mucuna Pruriens
extract supplement 200 mg, 15% L dopa
Veggie Caps, suitable for
vegetariansMucuna pruriens has been used for centuries for its broad health benefits.
Now it is available in capsule form in a 15% L dopa extract manufactured
by a very high quality laboratory in the United States.

Dosage: take one or two capsules a day with a couple of days off each
week.

Each pill provides 30 mg of L Dopa, along with the various
other beneficial ingredients within the plant.

Q. I found a mucuna product in my local
vitamin supplement store. On the product directions for dosage and frequency of
use it said that it should be taken on a cycle of 3 months on and one month off. Do you recommend anything similar for your product?
I'd like to go with the product that you developed, because I really like your
research-based approach.
A. Since human studies with mucuna are limited, it is difficult to know the ideal dosage, frequency of use or amount of
time of breaks. Plus, each person may have a different need based on their
health and medical condition. A break from use could be one or
two days a week, a week off per month, or any variation thereof. Is the mucuna
being used for health enhancement, sexual benefits, Parkinson's disease, or any
other condition? All these influence how much and how often one takes this herb. There are no simple guidelines that apply to everyone.
Composition of mucuna pruriens seedNutritional
analysis reveals it contains crude protein ranged from 20-29 %, crude lipid,
6-7%, total dietary fiber 8-10%, ash 3% and carbohydrates 50-60%. Several other
compounds are found in the seed, including alkaloids.
You can find a number of MP products on the market with an l
dopa percentage ranging from very low to 40 percent. Since there are a number of
substances in this herb that have health benefits, one should not focus on the l
dopa content alone. I feel, at this time, that a 15 % concentration is
a good balance.

Mucuna pruriens as sexual
enhancer, aphrodisiacDopamine is a natural neurotransmitter that enhances sexual urge and
interest. Mucuna
pruriens contains L-Dopa, the precursor to dopamine. Mucuna pruriens has
been known in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac herb. Users of this
herb notice sexual enhancement within days.

Dose- and time-dependent effects of ethanolic extract of
Mucuna pruriens seed on sexual behaviour of normal male rats.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009.
According to Indian Systems of Medicine, mucuna pruriens was used for treating
male sexual disorders since ancient times. In this 45 day study the effects of the
extracts on general mating behavior, libido and potency of
normal male Wister albino rats were investigated and also compared with the
standard reference drug, sildenafil citrate. The extract significantly increased the mounting frequency, intromission frequency and
ejaculation latency. The results indicated that extracts of mucuna pruriens seed produced
a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats.
The resulting aphrodisiac activity of the extract lends support to the claim
that it has traditionally been used for the treatment of sexual disorders.

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Mucuna pruriens side effects,
safety, risk, danger
Since few human trials have been done with mucuna pruriens supplements,
side effects are not fully known. Increased body temperature is possible on
high doses. Other possible side effects when used in high dose include
insomnia and rapid heart beat. A positive benefit could be slightly improved visual clarity.

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Mucuna pruriens and Parkinson's
disease research, nerve cell protectionParkinson's disease has been known in India since ancient days
and mucuna pruriens seed powder has been used for its treatment. At this point it is too early to tell
how to best use mucuna
pruriens extract supplements for this neurological condition. It is not
clear what the ideal dosage would be, how long the treatment would last,
how it combines with other prescription drugs, etc. It
is quite possible that the addition of this herb to one's Parkinson's
treatment regimen would necessitate lowering the dosage of the prescription
medications. Consult with your doctor and ask that he or she read this article.

Anti Parkinson botanical mucuna pruriens prevents levodopa induced plasmid and
genomic DNA damage.
Phytother Res. 2007.
Levodopa is considered the 'gold standard' for the treatment of Parkinson's
disease. However, a serious concern is dyskinesia and motor fluctuation that
occurs after several years of use. Mucuna
pruriens powder has shown anti Parkinson and neuroprotective effects
in animal models of Parkinson's disease that is superior to synthetic levodopa.
In the present study two different doses of mucuna protected both
plasmid DNA and genomic DNA against levodopa and divalent copper-induced DNA
strand scission and damage.

Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double blind clinical and
pharmacological study.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004. Eight Parkinson's disease patients were challenged with single
doses of 200 / 50 mg L-dopa / carbidopa, and 15 and 30 g of mucuna pruriens preparation in randomised
order at weekly intervals. Compared with standard L-dopa / carbidopa, the mucuna
preparation led to a considerably faster onset of effect, reflected in shorter
latencies to peak L-dopa plasma concentrations. No
significant differences in dyskinesias or tolerability occurred.
The rapid onset of action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias on mucuna seed powder formulation suggest that this natural source
of L-dopa might possess advantages over conventional L-dopa preparations in the
long term management of Parkinson's disease.

Effect of antiparkinson drug HP-200 on the central monoaminergic neurotransmitters.
Phytother Res. 2004.
The present study was designed to elucidate the
long-term effect of mucuna pruriens endocarp in HP-200 on monoaminergic
neurotransmitters and its metabolite in various regions of the rat brain. Oral
administration had a significant effect on
dopamine content in the cortex with no significant effect on levodopa,
norepinephrine or dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites - HVA, DOPAC and
5-HIAA in the nigrostriatal tract. The failure of mucuna pruriens endocarp to
significantly affect dopamine metabolism in the striatonigral tract along with
its ability to improve Parkinson symptoms in the 6-hydorxydopamine animal model
and humans may suggest that its anti Parkinson effect may be due to components
other than levodopa or that it has a levodopa enhancing effect.

Q. Do all patients with Parkinson's benefit from taking the
herb?
A. There have not been enough studies for me to know the right dosage, how often to take
it, and how it combines with prescription drugs. Each patient has to be tailored
individually starting with a low dose and then proceeding to
a higher dosage while prescription drug dosage is decreased. I don't know the percentage of patients
who benefit from this natural herbal medicine.

Q. I am now taking
Sinemet 25/100 three times daily. What is the equivalent in a mucuna pruriens dosage?
A. The equivalent dose is not known, and it is not
clear yet whether mucuna works the same way as Sinemet or has similar
benefits. Research with this herb is still early and we don't know
enough about it to make firm recommendations.

Testimonials received by emailI have Parkinson's
disease and in just six days mucuna pruriens product had me where I could sign my name again and since have
regained a lot of my functions.

I
was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Dr. tried several medications that
were specifically to supply dopamine, my body repelled each of the medications
and left me at wit's end. The Dr. decided to treat the severe pain with Percocet.
Disturbed at that my brother went to our health food store, Good Earth,
Bradenton, Fl., and did a search with the staff, They found your product. Within
days I was able to write my own name and was able to remember things. Steadily I
have continued to make progress. At first I took two
capsules
a day before breakfast, but I experienced a recent set back, As my memory got a
bit worse, I decided to take three a day, My memory is already getting
better and tomorrow I will start taking two again. I am only 40 years old but my
Dr. said since
my father had Parkinson's I was a prime candidate for it and that a psychological
medicine I was on Risperdal, had sped up the progress and caused it to hit me
much earlier than normal. I have informed my neurologist that I am on mucuna
pruriens
and he was relieved to see the progress. My Dr. is very excited and intrigued with what he sees. I am
steadily getting better and I am thrilled to
be coming out of this dark cave Parkinson's puts you in.

Depression, mood influenceQ. Due to it's ability to raise
dopamine, I would think that MP would raise mood, libido, etc.
Depression due to low dopamine should probably respond to supplementation.
A. Some people do notice a mood and libido lift with a mucuna pruriens
supplement.

Dopamine, L Dopa
Q. If the amino acid tyrosine converts to L- Dopa,
then would taking a tyrosine supplement produce the same effect or result as
taking mucuna pruriens herbal extract?
A. Not really. Mucuna pruriens herbal extract has many other
compounds in it besides L Dopa. The effects of tyrosine supplements and MP are
very different.

Q. I have taken your mucuna pruriens formula, and was
wondering if there would be any problem taking that with some tyrosine. Dr. Dryland in Oregon has said that you should not take tyrosine when taking
levodopa. I would like to boost my dopamine levels, so thought about taking both
of these supplements in small amounts.
A. Much depends on why the tyrosine is being taken, is it to
treat Parkinson's disease? It also depends on the dosage of the herbal product.
If the mucuna is used in low dosages, tyrosine can be used 100 to 200 mg a day
but if a lot of the herb is taken I do not see the need to take the amino acid.
Tyrosine can cause heart rhythm disturbances and anxiety.

Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the
hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Fertil Steril. 2008.
Seventy-five normal healthy fertile men (controls) and 75 men
undergoing infertility screening. High-performance liquid chromatography assay
for quantitation of dopa, adrenaline, and noradrenaline in seminal plasma and
blood. Estimation by RIA of hormonal parameters in blood plasma, namely T, LH,
FSH, and PRL. Decreased sperm count and motility were seen in infertile
subjects. Serum T and LH levels, as well as seminal plasma and blood levels of
dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline were also decreased in all groups of
infertile men. This was accompanied by significantly increased serum FSH and PRL
levels in oligozoospermic subjects. Treatment with M. pruriens significantly
improved T, LH, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels in infertile men
and reduced levels of FSH and PRL. Sperm count and motility were significantly
recovered in infertile men after treatment. Treatment with mucuna herb regulates
steroidogenesis and improves semen quality in infertile men.

Effect of Mucuna pruriens on semen profile and biochemical parameters in seminal
plasma of infertile men.
Fertil Steril. 2007.
To investigate the impact of mucuna pruriens seeds on semen profiles and
biochemical levels in seminal plasma of infertile men. Sixty normal healthy
fertile men (controls) and 60 men undergoing infertility screening. Before and
after the treatment, seminal plasma lipid profile, lipid peroxide, fructose, and
antioxidant vitamin levels were measured. Treatment with mucuna pruriens
significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation, elevated spermatogenesis, and
improved sperm motility. Treatment also recovered the levels of total lipids,
triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, and vitamin A, C, and E and corrected
fructose in seminal plasma of infertile men. Treatment with mucuna pruriens
increased sperm concentration and motility in all the infertile study groups.
Oligozoospermic patients recovered sperm concentration significantly, but sperm
motility was not restored to normal levels in asthenozoospermic men. The present
study is likely to open new vistas on the possible role of mucuna pruriens seed
powder as a restorative and invigorating agent for infertile men.

Mucuna pruriens Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in
Infertile Men.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2007.
Department of Biochemistry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India.
The present investigation was undertaken to assess the role of Mucuna pruriens in infertile men who were under psychological
stress. Study included 60 subjects who were undergoing infertility
screening and were found to be suffering from psychological stress,
assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and elevated serum cortisol
levels. Infertile subjects were administered with M. pruriens seed powder 5 g day orally. There was decreased sperm count and
motility in subjects who were under psychological stress. Moreover,
serum cortisol and seminal plasma lipid peroxide levels were also
found elevated along with decreased seminal plasma glutathione (GSH)
and ascorbic acid contents and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD)
and catalase activity. Treatment with M. pruriens significantly
ameliorated psychological stress and seminal plasma lipid peroxide
levels along with improved sperm count and motility. Treatment also
restored the levels of SOD, catalase, GSH and ascorbic acid in
seminal plasma of infertile men. On the basis of results of the
present study, it may be concluded that M. pruriens not only
reactivates the anti-oxidant defense system of infertile men but it
also helps in the management of stress and improves semen quality.

Fibromyalgia testimonialQ. I used mucuna herb
in combination with Mirapex daily for fibromyalgia with remarkable results. Both raise dopamine levels. The ability to handle stress
in any situation is the most noticeable change. While
taking mucuna pruriens supplement regularly, there was a definite improvement in
sleep, waking up refreshed with improved energy throughout the day. My
chiropractor was so impressed with my response that both he and his wife started using it. With limited
funds, I stopped taking mucuna after 3 months. The emotional stability using the Mirapex alone is still unmistakably the best in my entire life. However, mucuna does provide additional benefit that Mirapex does not,
ie improved sleep, perky positive energy, more activities accomplished. Whereas
the Mirapex leaves me feeling drugged and sleepy but very calm in the face of
stress. Fibromyalgia pain and pain in general is definitely reduced. By reducing Mirapex I have fewer side effects
and the herbal medicine seems to be as effective. I am convinced that maintaining a
normal level of dopamine is the key in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Hair growth, loss, or color changeI have not seen any studies regarding its influence on hair growth, good or
bad, but this study was interesting.

Interactions with dietary supplementsI recently purchased a bottle of muncuna puriens
extract I-dopa, natural dopamine increase. Do you know of
any adverse reactions when taken along with herbal tablets of kava or
valerian root?
Much depends on the person, their age, overall health
condition, activity level, kidney and liver function, other medications used,
other supplements used, the dosage, what time of day they are taken, and a host
of other factors. It is best to learn how each supplement makes you feel by
itself before combining them.

Suppliers and how it is soldHerbal and ingredients suppliers have it available in various
extract potencies. There is mucuna pruriens powder, extract
standardized to 15 percent L dopa, extract at 20 percent L dopa,
60 percent L dopa and even 99 percent L dopa. It is difficult to know which
extract potency is best for various medical conditions since comparisons are not
available.

My husband has been using Zandopa or HP200
which is a mucuna pruriens powder about 4% L-Dopa for Parkinson's disease and has had very good results. He would like to
try mucuna tablets with 15 % L dopa because of the ease of taking a tablet over
mixing the powder in water. His dosage is a tablespoon.
Can you tell me the equivalent of the mucuna pruriens 15% tablet would be to
that dosage.
I am not familiar with the Zandopa brand name. It is difficult
to compare an herbal product from one company to another's since many processes
are involved that lead to the end result. For instance where the herb is grown,
when it is harvested, how it is processed, the concentration of the extracts,
how long it is stored, etc. The best option is to start with a low dosage of the
new mucuna product and adjust over time. It may take a little trial and error.

Reviews and forumsQ. I am having trouble finding reviews or experiences from people who have
actually used it. Could you please point me
to some unbiased review or discussion forums where people are posting comments
on their experience?
A. I have no way of knowing whether testimonials of mucuna products on other web sites are accurate and unbiased.

Crossing blood brain barrier
Q. Could
you tell me how much l-dopa that mucuna pruriens contains penetrates the blood
brain barrier? Does the liver plays a role in reducing the amount
of l-dopa transported to the brain before it even reaches the blood brain
barrier. I am
interested in buying mucuna herb but I need an answer to these questions.
A. I do not know how much of l dopa found in mucuna crosses across the blood brain barrier since I have not seen these
types of studies, they are difficult to do. The liver most likely does play a role
in the metabolism of this herb, and
there is a wide variation in each person regarding this metabolism.

I am a big fan of your website and products. I
recently purchased mucuna pruriens and Mind Power, and plan to take them on
alternate days. Since MP may increase dopamine, do you think
that it might help with the desensitization or "poop-out" effect of ADHD
medications like Ritalin and Adderall by re-supplying the raw materials for
dopamine? Of course I understand you cannot make any specific recommendations,
but thought you might have come across something about this in your research.
It is possible but I have not had feedback on this matter yet
nor have I seen such studies. I would be interested in any feedback on this
matter.

My health providers has me take mucuna in an
attempt to reduce my hand tremor due to the Parkinsonian-like syndrome. We tried
one company product (100mg seed, 15% L-dopa, yields 15 mg) but didn't get
satisfactory result. So I think I'll try yours (200mg, 15% L-dopa) instead. What
do you think?
It is not possible to predict what the outcome would be, but
often there are differences in herbal products between different manufacturers
since the source of the raw material and its preparation is different.

Q. December, 10, 2013 - I
had started to take another brand of Mucuna Pruriens with 2 capsule giving 800mg
and 15% L-dopa. I was taking it every day for 4 days, it was like a miracle, all
stress gone, a feeling of well being, calm and inner peace, mental focus, heart
palpitations (just from worrying about problems) gone and really good restful
sleep and no more anxious overeating. However, I had to stop because it was
giving me allergic like reaction, my nose was getting very congested and my
mouth and throat very swollen and dry, hard to swallow, and on the 4th day i was
not able to sleep well because my sinus was swollen and congested. I thought it
was an effect of too much serotonin from the herb, i have read serotonin is a
potent vaso-constrictor and can cause breathing problems, like coffee, because
constricts the arteries and breathings ways.. Then I read that instead Mucuna
has pod's hair, which contain histamines. So it must have been just a simple
allergic reaction from the hairs, most likely since I was taking such a high
dose of herb (800 mg) and every single day. I am glad I found your site and that
you suggest to take this supplement not every day but few times a week, this I
am sure would decrease the histamine effects. Also I would like to try your
product since the herb concentration is lower than the one I was using (200 mg
versus 800 mg).
A. There are many other substances within this herb and I am not
sure I would be ready to blame your symptoms on histamine or serotonin yet.
Sometimes taking too high a dose can cause problems and lowering takes care of
the issues.

Mucuna beans
Mucuna Pruriens is one of a number of
Ayurvedic herbs.
The plant name is sometimes misspelled as mucana or mucua pruriens or mucuna
puriens. I have also seen misspellings of mucuna as macuna. Other names are cowhage or
cowage, velvet bean, and Nescafe.